Tips for Dental Emergencies While Traveling Abroad

Are you planning a trip outside the U.S.?   Don't have your vacation ruined by a toothache.

Before flying overseas, I strongly recommend a visit for a thorough dental examination, especially if you are traveling to a developing country or isolated areas without access to safe dentistry. 

Emergency dental care abroad may be hard to find, painful, expensive, and even dangerous. Most of us take for granted the high U.S. standards for equipment sterilization, infection control and safety. We seldom think about the fact that sterile instruments, gloves, disposable needles and safe water are not always the standard in many parts of the world. Dentists practicing in the U.S. are held to high standards of care and must follow infection control guidelines for disease prevention. The standards for educating and licensing dental professionals also vary in foreign countries. In the U.S., dentists have been educated in accredited schools and have taken national and state boards prior to receiving a license to practice.

Before Your Trip:

Schedule an appointment with your dentist giving adequate time to complete any necessary dental treatment. Pressure changes especially during air travel can cause pain in an untreated tooth.

• Have decayed or cracked teeth treated
• Congested with sinus problems? It may be from or affecting your teeth
• Schedule a cleaning, especially if you have any type of periodontal (gum) disease or bad breath
• Sensitive teeth should be checked before you travel
• Complete all root canal treatments

Tips for Issues While Traveling: 

Along with your passport, carry travel information including names and phone numbers of organizations to contact in case of a dental or medical emergency. Some good sources to contact in an emergency are:

• A local hotel concierge.
• Americans living in the area or an American military base.
• The International Assoc. For Medical Assistance To Travelers — a network of doctors and medical institutions around the world – (www.iamat.org).
•  American Consulate or American Embassy in the country you are visiting.

Don't let a dental emergency dampen your vacation. Be sure to have your teeth in great shape prior to leaving home!

Keep smiling,

 

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121